Coil Actuator Power Circuit Segmentation for Continuity Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current single coil actuators for low and medium voltage applications have unreliable electrical continuity checks due to undesired conductive paths in the power supply circuit, leading to incorrect determinations of coil winding integrity.
Innovation Solution
A coil actuator design with a power and control unit that includes a discharge circuit and a switch circuit with a power switch, where a controller performs PWM control and charges storage means during maneuvers, allowing for precise control of input current and preventing undesired currents during integrity tests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If a power supply circuit is provided in single coil actuators to feed the controller, then the controller can be powered during operation, but undesired conductive paths are created that interfere with electrical continuity checks of the coil winding
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply circuit is segmented into two distinct operational modes: a first configuration during maneuver operations where the power switch connects the input terminal to the controller, and a second configuration during continuity checks where the power switch isolates the controller from the input terminal. This segmentation allows the same circuit to serve multiple functions without interference, resolving the contradiction between providing power to the controller and enabling reliable continuity checks.
2Measurement precision
If electrical continuity checks are performed by applying test voltage to the coil electromagnet, then the integrity of the coil winding can be assessed, but undesired currents circulate through parallel conductive paths in the power supply circuit leading to false results
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply circuit is designed with dynamic reconfigurability through a power switch that changes its state based on the operational phase. During continuity checks, the switch dynamically isolates the controller power supply path from the coil terminals, ensuring that test currents flow only through the coil winding. This dynamic configuration ensures accurate measurement of coil integrity without interference from parallel conductive paths.
3Productivity
If the power switch is kept in a conducting state to supply power to the controller during maneuvers, then the controller operates continuously, but it prevents the power supply circuit from charging storage means and interferes with continuity testing
Solution Approach 1:
The power switch operates periodically, alternating between conducting and non-conducting states based on the operational requirements. During maneuver phases, the switch conducts to power the controller; during continuity check phases, the switch opens to enable accurate testing and allow charging of storage means from the input terminal. This periodic action resolves the contradiction by timing the power supply function and the continuity testing function in separate intervals.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the reliability of coil actuator operations by ensuring accurate electrical continuity checks and preventing false determinations of coil winding integrity, thereby improving the reliability of low or medium voltage apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
a coil electromagnet (2) provided with a single coil winding (21) and a movable member (22)... an excitation current (IE) circulating along the coil electromagnet (2)... a magnetic force due to a magnetic flux enchained with the movable member and generated by an excitation current (IE) circulating along the coil electromagnet (2)
Implementation Method 2
said controller (6) being adapted to perform a PWM control of an input current (IN) circulating through said power circuit (4) to carry out a manoeuvre of said coil electromagnet (2)
Implementation Method 3
said power circuit (4) further comprises a discharge circuit (42), which is electrically connected with said first input terminal (T1) and said intermediate electric node (T3) in parallel with said coil winding (21)
Implementation Method 4
said power supply circuit (10) comprises storage means (140) adapted to store electric energy to feed said controller (6)
Data Source
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AI summary
A coil actuator (1) for low and medium voltage applications comprising: - a coil electromagnet (2) having a single coil winding (21) and a movable member (22); and - a power and control unit (3) comprising: - a power circuit (4) operatively coupled with said coil electromagnet, said power circuit comprising input terminals (T1, T2) for receiving an input voltage (VIN) and an intermediate node (T3), said electromagnet being electrically connected with said input terminal (T1) and said intermediate node (T3), said power circuit further comprising a discharge circuit (42), which is electrically connected with said first input terminal (T1) and said intermediate node (T3) in parallel with said coil winding (21), and a switch circuit (41), which is electrically connected with said intermediate node (T3) and said second input terminal (T2), said switch circuit comprising at least a power switch (410); - a controller (6) operatively coupled with said power circuit (4) to drive said at least a power switch (410) to control of an input current (IIN) circulating through said power circuit (4), said controller being adapted to perform a PWM control of said input current (IIN) to operate said coil electromagnet (2); - a power supply circuit (10) adapted to feed said controller (6). Said power supply circuit (10) is electrically connected with said intermediate node (T3) and said controller (6).